Harpist in the Wind

There are some fantasy epics that all literature professors, and most normal people, would consider essential reading for any well-educated person ??? J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll, etc. So, yeah, I read those a long time ago. But beyond that, there's not much fantasy literature that's essential reading. So, for a long time, I didn't read any. In my drive to be educated, I stuck to the classics (which are classic because they're great literature, usually). But one day, maybe 15 years ago, Patricia McKillip's RIDDLE-MASTER fell into my hands. I can't remember exactly when, and I can't remember how. I can't even remember enough to t... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/reviews/riddlemaster/

A satisfying end to the series but not as compelling as the first two books.

5 stars, Metaphorosis Reviews

Summary:
The wizards, long captive or in hiding, are free. A mysterious force from the sea is attacking the realm. And Morgon and Tristan, each with powers and ancestry they are still learning to control, are search for Deth. And through the dangers and upheaval they face, where is the High One, meant to protect them all?

Review:
You know those fantasy series that raise a myriad issues, mysteries, and questions – and then can't be bothered to resolve most of them? This isn't one of those. McKillip meticulously ties of all the loose ends, and does with shocking surprises, deep emotion, and beautiful language.

The one real criticism I have of the book is that it has too many false endings – so many climaxes that it becomes a little exhausting. And, of course, there's yet another travelogue through the countries and rulers. And both Morgon and Raederle get a little too Thomas Covenant in their refusal to address key issues for no good reason. And there are one or two points that aren't entirely consistent. So there are several things to criticize. However, they all fade beside the impact of a great story told very, very well. This is a great series, and this is a great conclusion. It had a great impact on me when I read it as a kid, and it still has a strong impact on me as an adult, even knowing the answers to everything already.

While not everything about the series holds up as well as I remembered, most of it does. This is the series that established McKillip as a major force in fantasy, and deservedly so. If you like fantasy and you like beautiful prose, you should read this.